In celebration of the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra’s 30th Anniversary, composer Peter Lieberson was commissioned to write a work for the Boston Youth Symphony that featured five BYSO alumni – all of whom are now members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.  Fenwick Smith, flute ‘67, Richard Sebring, french horn ‘73, Sato Knudsen, cello ‘74, Lawrence Wolfe, bass ‘66 and Ronan Lefkowitz, violin ’70 joined Senior Orchestra during the 30th Anniversary, season finale concert.

On Sunday, June 12, 1988, Lieberson’s piece, “The Gesar Legend,” was premiered at Sanders Theatre at Harvard University.  Eiji Oue, BYSO’s music director at the time, conducted the performance, which was met with rave reviews.  Richard Dyer, of the Boston Globe, wrote in an article dated June 14, 1988, “Lieberson has been fortunate in the performers who have advanced his music, but many other composers might envy the caliber of the first performance that conductor Eiji Oue and GBYSO gave to “The Gesar Legend” – not to mention the attentiveness and enthusiasm of its audience.” 

Preceding the concert, a symposium with the composer and soloists was offered.  Other works on the program included the Allegro non troppo movement from Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5, Op. 47 and Bela Bartok’s Violin Concerto No. 1.

Lieberson’s piece tells the tale of Gesar, a Tibetan warrior-king, who is responsible for ridding Tibet of evil forces.  His tale serves as a type of ancient guideline for warriors, illustrating the need to overcome self-deception and cowardice.  Gesar, the model warrior, is eventually reincarnated from his paradise to help protect the people and religion of Tibet. 

Written in five sections, the work features a quartet of flutes, led by alumnus Fenwick Smith, which represents the protecting goddess, Manene.  A solo french horn, played by alumnus Richard Sebring, represents Gesar himself.  The cello and bass sections, led by alumni Sato Knudsen and Lawrence Wolf, portray lumbering demons.  The solo violin, played by alumnus and current BYSO Board member, Ronan Lefkowitz, represents the birth of Gesar.  The musical story culminates in a final march, commemorating Gesar’s triumph.   

“’The Gesar Legend’” is not only an epic tone-poem, but also a true concerto for orchestra.  Each of the Boston Symphony soloists also served as leaders of their instrument’s section.  Each section of the orchestra had its moment to shine, not just the five soloists,” wrote Dyer.  He added, “Lieberson does not simply turn the kaleidoscope to obtain a new color or combination of colors; his musical purposes coincide with his story-telling purposes.  “The Gesar Legend” is big, colorful, attractive, and entertaining.  It is also the most skillfully orchestrated of Lieberson’s pieces so far....”

Composer Peter Lieberson wrote of his experience working with the orchestra in the concert’s program book.  “It was an inspiration to write for GBYSO.  My admiration for this excellent and worthwhile group and its first rate and dedicated maestro, Eiji Oue, led me in a hopelessly busy year to compose this piece in honor of their thirtieth anniversary.  May they continue to flourish!”

Listen to the "Gesar Legend"

Read a review from Richard Dyer of the Boston Globe